Kentucky’s victory over Arkansas was vital for the Wildcats’ bowl dreams, the team’s morale and the fanbase’s commitment to the remainder of the season. That’s what really mattered Saturday night. However, Kentucky’s win also gave Coach Mark Stoops some extra “cred.” Saturday’s victory was Stoops’ 39th ‘W’ as UK’s head coach.
With the win, Stoops ties Coach Rich Brooks for the No. 5 spot on Kentucky’s all-time winningest coaches list. Bear Bryant leads the list with 60 wins, followed by Blanton Collier and Jerry Claiborne, who are tied with 41 wins each. The victory also gave Stoops his 29th home win with the Wildcats, tying him with Coach Collier and Fran Curci for third place in school history.